Our Story

Prachi Rajeev, Co-President (Fall '24 - Spring '25)

I am a proud graduate of San Francisco State University with a degree in General Biology and a deep passion for healthcare, driven by my love for problem-solving and helping others. During my time at SF State, I had the privilege of serving as both Treasurer and Co-President of the Pre-Physician Assistant Society (PPAS) alongside Cindy Chu. I truly enjoyed creating new events and inviting inspiring guest speakers to help my fellow peers explore their interests in healthcare. Many students were still deciding between different career paths, so we aimed to bring in professionals from a variety of roles—not just PAs—to share their experiences and provide valuable exposure to different areas of the field. I also had the incredible opportunity to study abroad at Mahidol University in Thailand for one semester, gaining valuable cultural and academic experiences that broadened my perspective on global healthcare. Recently certified as a Medical Assistant, I am eager to gain my clinical hours and hands-on patient care experience as I prepare to apply to PA school. Wishing the best of luck to everyone pursuing their own healthcare dreams!

Joshn Johnson, Alumni

Following graduation (Fall 2024) from Chapman University’s PA Program in Orange County, California, I have been pursuing a career in Emergency Medicine, attending the annual convention hosted by the Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Associates in Chicago, Illinois. More notably, I have been training as an Advanced Provider Fellow through the year-long post-graduate program provided by Vituity at Riverside University Health System. This is the Riverside County Hospital in Moreno Valley. I’m in a cohort with four other APs, working alongside the physician residents, seeing a variety of patient acuity. 

Miari Chikwelu, President (Spring '23)

I had the honor and opportunity to serve as the Pre PA club president during the Spring of 2023. As a kinesiology major my goal was to always enter healthcare. Reflecting on my time with the Pre-PA Club brings back flood memories - from meeting, creating and collaborating with valuable like-minded individuals. Many moments and interactions were instrumental in shaping my journey in the healthcare profession. While Physician Assistant was initially my goal, life has a way of taking unexpected yet fulfilling routes. I've since redirected my focus to the compassionate aspects of healthcare and am currently gaining a passion for the world of nursing. After graduating in the Fall of 2023, I will be starting a  Master in Nursing program at DePaul University in Chicago, IL for the Spring 2024 cohort. My plans are to complete the program and take the next step towards becoming a Nurse Practitioner and working alongside my fellow Physician Assistants.

Maiya Akhmetzhanova, Vice President (Spring '16 - Spring '17)

My name is Maiya, and I was the Vice President of PPAS for 1.5 years before graduating with a B.S. in Cell & Molecular Biology in the Spring of 2017. I am currently working as a medical assistant, and will be applying to PA school in a couple years. I believe in prevention before cure and in being proactive rather than reactive, as well as holistic approach to treating patients. 

Megan Ramirez Miller, Public Relations + Media (Fall '18 - Spring '19)

I found the Pre-Physician Assistant Society my first semester at San Francisco State University and it changed the way I look at my future. I transferred to SFSU as a General Biology major in Fall 2017. I studied psychology for two years down at SDSU and then realized I wanted to attend a university closer to my home roots. Coming to SFSU was the best decision I ever made because it helped me discover and pursue the pre-med route that I am now on. The Pre-PA Society helped shape my view and aspirations of becoming a Physician Assistant. I am forever grateful for the existence of this society and I hope it helps you out just as much as it helped me out! 

Tiffanie Chau, Vice President

I've always been interested in being in the medical field but I didn't know which career pathway I wanted. I just knew that I wanted to care and help make a difference in people's live on a personal level. When I got to college, I met a lot of different of people who told me about their passions and aspirations; and PA stuck out to me most. This profession would not only allow me to make a positive and memorable difference in people's lives; it would give me so many opportunities to be in different specialties. I'm currently majoring in Biology with a concentration in Physiology and minoring in Public Health. My minor has helped me learn more about social justice issues in health care; so I hope to make a difference in the underserved communities and empower individuals towards their health. 

Leann Abida, Public Relations + Media Representative

Throughout high school, I always knew i wanted to be in the medical field but, I was unsure what department I wanted to be in. My junior and senior year of high school I was enrolled in a course that helped students learn about career paths in a hospital setting, as well as physically going to the hospital and assisting several departments to see what life would be like. My Freshman year of college I was set on being a Physical Therapist, however, I began looking into more professions with a Kinesiology major and I was much more interested in the Physician Assistant path. As I continue with a major in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Exercise and Movement Sciences, as well as a minor in General Biology, I am glad i joined the Pre-Physician Assistant Society (PPAS) and I am excited to take on the role as a Public Relations and Media Representative. 

Ann Dang, Secretary

Throughout high school I had my mind set on Medical school but eventually during college, I found that it wasn't for me. However, I knew I wanted to be in the healthcare field as I enjoyed giving back to my community, working hands on, and wanted to work in a profession that allows flexibility and change throughout one's career. Coming from the city of Chicago, I witnessed the inequality and major issues in the healthcare system, especially for POC communities. After doing further research, I knew the PA route would not only satisfy what I wanted for a career path but also help me towards my goal to help underserved communities. I currently major in Public Health and has helped me expand my knowledge - I am excited to use this knowledge to contribute to PPAS but also learn more myself throughout my time here. 

Ariana Villanueva, Secretary

I was born and raised in a low-income community where I experienced many injustices within the healthcare system. Through these experience's my passion for helping the underrepresented arose. I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field, but I was never certain which route to take until I was introduced to the Physician Assistant Society (PPAS). Thanks to Brianna Arroyo and many others, I grew to admire PAs. I now hope to become a future PA and create an organization to help those in need within my community. 

Araceli Amaton, President

My freshman year of High School I decided I wanted to go to med school and eventually become a trauma surgeon. I stayed with that choice all throughout high school and told all my friends and family that's who'd I want to become. Then, at the beginning of my freshman year of college I was talking to Brianna Arroyo about my career path and she began telling me about PA. When I learned how being a PA is very similar to a doctor and even how you can assist on surgeries, I was convinced. I knew that I would be able to reach my goal of helping people and saving lives much quicker. My major is biology with a concentration in Physiology and I am excited to be part of PPAS. I know that being part of PPAS I will be guided onto how to become a PA while also further expanding my knowledge of the profession. Now as president, I can pass my knowledge to others and help lead into their PA journey. 

Makayla Keelin, Vice President

I developed my interest in healthcare a year into college when a friend of mine told me about the physician assistant profession. As I did more research, I discovered that this was the perfect career for me to combine my love for science with my desire to work hands-on with people every day! I am a transfer student from a community college in Southern California where I received my associate degree of science in biology. Currently, I am pursuing my undergraduate degree in biology with a concentration in physiology at SF State. I’m the first in my immediate family to take interest in a career in STEM/healthcare and am still in the process of learning more about the profession.

Leila Nabavi (PA-C), Founder

Hello, my name is Leila Nabavi, and I am the founder and inaugural president of the Pre-Physician Assistant Society at San Francisco State University. In 2014, during my junior year at SF State, I recognized a significant gap in campus resources for students pursuing careers as Physician Assistants. At the time, most pre-health organizations were heavily focused on the medical school pathway, leaving aspiring PAs with little guidance or support. Motivated to create change, I partnered with my peers Zoe Swett and Emily Janoff to establish the university’s first Pre-PA organization. What began as a small, passionate group quickly grew to over 60 members in our first year, laying the foundation for a lasting community of future PA professionals. After earning my B.S. in Biology from SFSU in 2016, I went on to complete my Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Dominican University of California in 2022. Today, I proudly serve the Bay Area as a Primary Care Physician Associate and continue to mentor and educate aspiring PAs through my work as a content creator across various social media platforms.

Emily Killion, Founding Member ('15-'16)

Emily was a founding member of PPAS and held leadership roles in 2015 and 2016. Being part of a student-led organization taught her leadership skills, how to communicate across perspectives, take initiative, and stay adaptable in fast-changing situations. After receiving her Bachelors in Biology from SFSU, her interests shifted toward global health, leading her to pursue a Master of Public Health with a focus in epidemiology and biostatistics from Keck Medical School at USC. She spent some time in Southeast Africa, where she wrote and submitted her thesis, and later returned to the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she worked as an epidemiologist for a local health department. Today, Emily runs her own epidemiology consulting business, partnering with rural counties to provide data-driven support and public health expertise.

Zoe Swett (PA-C), Co-Founder, Alumni 

Hiya, my name is Zoe. In 2014, while studying at San Francisco State University, I co-founded the Pre-PA Society with Leila and Emily after realizing there was no support network for students aspiring to enter physician associate studies. Our organization provided guidance and direction for students navigating this career path. I graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology, took a gap year, and then began my Physician Associate studies at A.T. Still University in Arizona. Midway through my training, the COVID-19 pandemic began. I accepted a role in an emergency department in rural Georgia, where I spent two years building a strong foundation in emergency medicine during one of the most challenging times in healthcare. After feeling the effects of burnout from working in a high-stress environment during the pandemic, I sought a new chapter that combined my passion for medicine with my love of travel. I secured a position in general practice in East London, where I have worked for the past two and a half years. Navigating the NHS has been challenging but rewarding. Practicing medicine in a different country, with a diverse patient population I would not have encountered in the U.S., has broadened my skills, perspectives, and cultural understanding. I look forward to continuing my career in general practice abroad, committed to delivering compassionate and comprehensive care.

Daisy Li

Vice President 

(Fall '19 - Spring '20)

Brianna Arroyo

President 

(Fall '19 - Spring '21)

Jennifer (Jenni) Milan

President 

(Fall '16 - Fall '17)

Derek Robertson

Volunteer Coordinator 

(Spring '18 - Fall '18)

Cindy Chu

Co-President 

Fall '24 - Spring '25

Camelia Moezzi

Volunteer Coordinator 

(Spring '16 - Fall '16)

Esmeralda

Public Relations

Laeticia C.

Secretary 

Nicole Farjardo